For members of the Moore League, this has been their reality. If you want to win the league, you need to go through the Jackrabbits.

The Millikan Rams will get their shot Friday as the two teams face in their Moore League football opener.

Second-year Millikan head coach Justin Utupo knows his team will face a tough road challenge, but also isn’t backing down from it.

“They got the most guys playing in the NFL, they’re a nationally-known team and they dominate the Moore League,” Utupo said. “What people sometimes forget is that places like Millikan, Jordan, Lakewood, even Wilson, Cabrillo, Compton, you got some dudes on these teams.”

The Rams are led by senior receiver and Cal commit Malik Bradford and junior quarterback Qeanu Campbell-Caldwell, who passed for 2,574 yards and 31 touchdowns last season as Millikan went 9-3.

Now 2-1 to start 2018, Utupo sees a maturing Millikan team. His players pay closer attention to details like film study, hydration and weight lifting, which helps with the preparation for game day.

“If guys are missing the weight room or they’re late, it’s up to the players and the captains and leaders to hold their brothers accountable,” Utupo said. “I’m seeing more of that.”

It has been nine years since Millikan last defeated Poly, in a 35-34 overtime epic. The Jackrabbits enter this year’s matchup 2-2, however, having lost their last two games to Los Alamitos and Serra.